Your eyes also deserve better.
Don't forget about your eyes. Your eyes might look great with mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow, but if you leave them on all night, they will get irritated. Your eye area has thinner skin that is more sensitive, so it is very delicate. If you sleep with eye makeup on, you could get red, puffy eyes or even infections like conjunctivitis or styes. I once woke up with crusty, irritated eyes because I forgot to take off my mascara. It wasn't a good look.
Even worse, mascara and eyeliner can flake off while you sleep and get into your eyes, which could scratch your cornea. That doesn't just feel bad; it can cause big problems if you don't get it fixed. If you like false lashes or lash extensions, sleeping with them on can make your natural lashes weaker, which can make them break or fall out. Your eyes work hard all day, so let them rest at night.
It's Not Only About Your Face
You might not have thought about this: sleeping with makeup on can mess up your bedding as well as your skin. Foundation and lipstick can get on your pillowcase, which is a great place for bacteria to grow. The next night, though, you're putting your clean face (or, let's be real, maybe not-so-clean face) on that same pillow that has a lot of bacteria on it. It can make things worse and cause more breakouts and irritation. And who wants to do more laundry because of mascara stains?
How to Make Cleaning a Must
I know, I know—washing your face at the end of the day can seem like a lot of work. But it doesn't have to be a whole 10-step skincare routine. A gentle cleanser, micellar water, or even makeup-removing wipes can all work. Just keep it simple. I keep a pack of wipes next to my bed for those nights when I can barely stay awake. Your skin will thank you for this quick and easy task.
If you like a full beat with contouring, highlighting, and all that, you might want to try double cleansing. Use an oil-based cleanser to break down makeup and sunscreen, and then use a water-based cleanser to get rid of any leftover products. It sounds fancy, but it's quick and makes sure your skin is clean.
The Long-Term Benefit
Making sure you take off your makeup every day is like putting money into your skin's future. Over time, you'll have fewer breakouts, a brighter complexion, and smoother skin. Also, it's a small act of self-care that makes you feel surprisingly strong. It's nice to wash away the day and give your skin a fresh start.
If you're still not sure, remember that your skin will be with you for the rest of your life. People notice it first, and it shows how well you take care of yourself. You might save a few minutes now by not taking off your makeup, but in the long run, you could spend hours and dollars on treatments for acne, irritation, or early aging.
So, the next time you want to go to bed with your makeup on, remember this: your skin deserves better. Give your skin two minutes to clean and hydrate, and let it do its thing overnight. Your skin will look great when you wake up, and you'll feel great, too. And really, isn't that worth it?